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Tool Tips: Removing a lead poured joint

Removing a lead poured joint

Normally when removing a lead-poured joint it can be very difficult and dangerous to do in an enclosed space. I have found that by using the right size hole saw, the lead can be cut out of the joint allowing the pipe to be easily pulled out. This removes the need to melt the joint out and cause a fire hazard.

Jonathan Sweeney

Twin City Plumbing and Heating

Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Converting a cast iron bell-and-spigot system to PVC

Install a neoprene gasket into the bell socket. Apply silicon grease on the inside ofthe gasket. Fabricate a driver tool to consist of ¾-inch plywood cut to a 6-inch square. Fasten a floor flange to it. Install one nipple 8 to 12 inches in length with a threaded cap. Now you can drive the PVC pipe into the neoprene gasket. You can use ¾-inch flange and nipple and threaded cap. I made it out of 1-inch material and it works great.

John Burns

John M. Burns Heating, Air and Plumbing

Morganton, North Carolina

Removing plastic shank nuts

When replacing a kitchen or bathroom sink faucet and you have plastic shank nuts to hold the faucet down, you try to remove them with a basin wrench. If they are old and brittle the fins will brake off. I found the best way to get them off is take a 3/4 wood chisel and heat the tip to cherry red, then press the wood chisel through two sides of the plastic nut and it pops right off. Melts through them like butter. I keep a old wood chisel just for that job.

Alec Garrenton

A.T. Plumbing

Roanoke, Virginia

Send Us Your Tool Tips

If you have an idea that has saved you time and money, Plumbing & Mechanical would like to share your tip with our readers. The first-place winner each month will receive a Kinetic Water Ram from General Pipe Cleaners with a retail value of $325. Read here for more details

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ON DEMAND:Most people will recognize that word of mouth is your best form of marketing. Whether they’re recommending your store to their close circle or sharing their feelings on an online review site, what they say can go a long way toward convincing potential customers to do business with you. So what can you to harness the voice of your customers and make sure it is reaching the right people at the right time?

Products

Revised to include details on the latest technologies, Valve Handbook, Third Edition, discusses design, performance, selection, operation, and application. This updated resource features a new chapter on the green technology currently employed by the valve industry, as well as an overview of the major environmental global standards that process plants are expected to meet.

Check out November 2018 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical , featuring our Cargo Vans model year 2019, a vehicle build for your business, a few guidelines to installing a tankless water heater , and much more.